Rock Star strikes the right chord for Solihull students
The founder of the legendary Boomtown Rats has brought an extra high note to Solihull School's popular enrichment programme.
Garry Roberts, who played lead guitar alongside Bob Geldof at the first Live Aid event in 1985, demonstrated the power and versatility of the electric guitar to over 300 boys and girls from Years 7 to 9 in a special workshop in the School's Bushell Hall.
The world-renowned musician also gave an illustrated talk on the history of the blues and spoke of his experiences of being a member of one of the world's greatest bands, before treating his audience to renditions of the Boomtown Rats' greatest hits including 'Rat Trap' and 'I Don't Like Mondays'.
He also added an extra beat to the proceedings by backing Solihull School's new Guitar Club, which will be led by electric guitar teacher Bill Hudd and open to pupils of all ages with an interest in the guitar in all its forms.
Garry, who still tours with Boomtown Rats drummer Simon Crowe, with the addition of Peter Barton on bass and Darren Beale on guitar, said: “I have been fascinated by the electric guitar since I was 12 years old and I believe it to be one of the most beautiful, versatile and expressive instruments.
“I am keen to show the exciting potential of the guitar to young people who are about the age I was when I began playing, as this is the time when they are ready to begin exploring and developing their own creative potential.”
Stephen Perrins, Head of Music, said: “Our pupils were thrilled and inspired by their workshop with Garry Roberts. He in turn was delighted to learn that the study of acoustic, classical and electric guitar at Solihull School has never been more popular.“
Guitar pupils benefit from Solihull School's new £3 million state-of-the-art Music School, which includes a percussion room and rock room with remote audio connections to a recording studio with the latest digital facilities.
